Three Hong Kong judges have voiced doubts over seemingly contradictory prosecution arguments about former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s stance on protest violence in his national security trial.
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Prosecutors on Wednesday continued to scrutinise past statements made by the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily tabloid newspaper in an attempt to show his intent to incite residents’ hatred and disaffection towards authorities during the 2019 anti-government protests.
Lai, 77, was in the witness box at West Kowloon Court for the 43rd day to contest two conspiracy charges of collusion with foreign forces under the national security law, and a third of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications in breach of colonial-era legislation.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Anthony Chau Tin-hang in cross-examination submitted that Lai chose not to condemn radical protesters because he wanted to incite violence while seeking continued international support for the movement.
But the three High Court judges said the contention was contradictory.
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“On one hand, you said the defendant wanted international support, that he did not want violence. On the other hand, you said he wanted violence. So what’s the prosecution’s case?” Mr Justice Alex Lee Wan-tang said.
Madam Justice Susana D’Almada Remedios also highlighted earlier evidence given by Lai in which he said he believed violence would dampen international support for the protests.